A new advertising campaign by former President Donald Trump’s super PAC, MAGA Inc., has launched a 30-second spot criticizing Democratic Texas Senate candidate James Talarico as “weird” while questioning his remarks on Christianity.
The ad, released Thursday, features snippets of Talarico’s past comments, including his 2021 statement that there are six biological sexes, his description of Jesus Christ as a “radical feminist,” and his assertion that God is “nonbinary.” The narrator concludes, “Liberal weirdo James Talarico, too loco for Texas.”
Talarico, a former Presbyterian seminarian and middle school teacher, has centered his Christian faith in his campaign, citing his Baptist-preacher grandfather and quoting biblical teachings in speeches. His campaign did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Talarico holds a narrow lead in recent polling. A Fox News poll released Thursday showed Talarico with a 2-point edge over Republican Ken Paxton among likely voters (51% to 49%), within the margin of sampling error. Among registered voters, Talarico’s advantage widens to 7 points, up from a 3-point lead in July. The poll also found 49% of Texas likely voters prefer a Democratic Senate, while 50% favor Republican control.
Paxton, the state’s attorney general, faces significant unpopularity. A CNN analysis cited by Newsweek reported Paxton with a net favorability rating of negative 16 points, the lowest for a Texas Republican Senate nominee this century at a comparable campaign stage. Political scientist Mark P. Jones of Rice University noted that while other Republicans like outgoing Senator John Cornyn faced image challenges, Paxton’s unpopularity is distinguished by greater intensity among Democrats.
The race has drawn record spending, with both campaigns and outside groups pouring funds into the contest. Trump, who has endorsed Paxton, acknowledged his criticisms of the candidate during a Texas event Thursday, saying, “He can be a pain in the ass sometimes, I’ll be honest.”
Key voter dynamics are shaping the race. The Fox News poll highlighted a GOP enthusiasm gap, with MAGA Republicans more likely to vote than non-MAGA Republicans. Meanwhile, two-thirds of Democrats, including both DSA and non-DSA groups, are extremely interested in voting, with nearly three-quarters certain to participate.
The Senate race remains highly competitive, with 8% of self-identified Republicans preferring a Democratic Senate compared to 1% of Democrats crossing over to support Republicans. The outcome could determine control of the U.S. Senate, currently split narrowly between the two parties.